When plans were being finalized to move California Baptist College to its present location in Riverside, the concept of Magnolia Avenue Baptist Church was born in the hearts and minds of a few students and faculty members who began to pray and plan for such a church even before moving to this city. These were under a deep conviction that a church adjacent to the college was essential to under-girding the spiritual life of the college family as well as to meet the challenge of this growing city. Thus, this vision led to the location, organization, and development of our church.

Early in February, 1955, under the leadership of Sparkie Norquist, who was to become the first pastor, a small group of interested people began to hold worship services in the newly acquired facilities of California Baptist College. The desire to organize into a New Testament church was expressed and First Baptist Church, Edgemont, agreed to serve as a sponsoring church.  Search for a permanent location began immediately, and as a direct answer to prayer the property at 8351 Magnolia Avenue was listed “For Sale." The property consisted of I ½ acres of land and a two-story colonial home. Miraculously, plans for financing the purchase of the property were made available, and the two-story colonial house became a most welcome home for the small congregation. The property gave the church its first indebtedness of $16,500.00. It was in that building that a group of 17 Christians assembled on Mother's Day, 1955, and organized a church. Hence, that which was but a vision a few weeks earlier became a reality, and Magnolia Avenue Baptist Church became a living organization to work for the glory of God.

Under the pastoral leadership of Dr. T. W. Medearis, the church issued $65,000.00 in church bonds to erect the first sanctuary. The beautiful white columns which gave the colonial aspect to the original house were retained and with the steeple, gave a special dignity to the Medearis Building.

During the remodel of our current worship center in 1997, the steeple was restored, stain glass added, and placed atop the main entrance of the Nixon Building.

The old house was used for educational space until it became necessary to build again. In 1963 under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Walter A. Pegg, an educational building was erected at an approximate cost of $125,000.00. Later, the property on the corner of Magnolia-Adams was purchased for $65,000.00.

Under the leadership of Dr. A. Larry Nixon, the church further purchased 3 ½ acres of land along Adams, adjacent to the property already owned. This purchase was in the amount of $150,000.00 and the deed was recorded in late 1971. The worship center and activities building were completed at a cost of approximately $425,000.00 in October 1974.

Dr. William (Bill) 0. Crews led the church to build the Tucker-Jones Education Center to provide for the growing adult division. This was made possible by the sacrificial giving of church families and completed after Bill Crews became President of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary.

During the 10 years with Pastor Douglas P. Metzger, we saw a time of rapid growth. The emphasis on evangelism training and building the Sunday School had been fruitful with the education space being filled and the need for two morning worship services.

Creating a multiplication of ministry has been the focus of Dr. Montia Setzler. Through his leadership development, many men have been licensed to the gospel ministry and lives committed to foreign missions. A third "Contemporary" service was added to the already 2 "blended" services on Sunday mornings. Transferring his desire to help every member realize their gifted potential as a minister, a Membership Class (MAG101), a Maturity Class (MAG201), and a Ministry Class (MAG301) were put into place.

Pastor Setzler has developed a unique mentoring process that has catapulted MABC into a prominent training church, recognized all over the state of California.

Church growth, Bible study attendance, and baptisms have set record numbers as we've seen the addition of University of Life Classes, MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), Connection Groups (weekly small group bible studies), and Celebrate Recovery.
The church has been blessed with dedicated pastoral leadership. Following Sparkie Norquist came T. W. Medearis (1955-57), William Bell (1957-58), V. B. Braezeale (1958-61), Walter A. Pegg (1961-70), A. Larry Nixon (1970-77), William 0. Crews (1978-1986), Douglas P. Metzger (1987-97) and Montia Setzler (1998-present).